DE102020104615A1 - Valve device and valve system equipped therewith, as well as control device contained therein for fluid flow control - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve device (50a, 50b) for controlling a fluid flow, in particular an air flow, comprises at least one input (E) and at least two outputs (AI-A3), at least one of the outputs (A1-A3) via a through-channel (91a- 91c) at least one manipulatable conducting means can be connected to the inlet (E) in a fluid-conducting manner. The passage channel (91a-91c) of the conducting means can be changed at least indirectly via a control fluid flow (SF) either with regard to at least a portion of its internal cross-section or with regard to its alignment with respect to the outlets (A1-A3) and the inlet (E) rotatable at least to a limited extent.

Description

The invention relates to a valve device for controlling a fluid flow, in particular air, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a valve system comprising at least two of these valve devices with the features of claim 10 and a control device with such a valve system with the features in claim 12 The invention also relates to a seating system having the features of claim 13.

In particular, seats used in vehicles sometimes have at least one functional device which can be operated via a fluid pressure. These range, for example, from their ergonomic adaptability to the massage function. In addition to electrical actuators, hydraulically or pneumatically operated expansion bodies are also used for this. Such an expansion body, also referred to as a “bladder”, comprises at least one hollow chamber that is as fluid-tight as possible, the volume change of which, based on filling and emptying, results in mechanical work. Because of their design-related only low moving mass, expansion bodies can be used to achieve fast and harmonious movements in addition to short reaction times.

The compressor used to build up the necessary fluid pressure can, for example, be placed in or outside the seat in such a way that the expansion body operates extremely quietly. They are mostly supplied by hoses connected to the compressor in a fluid-conducting manner. These are usually each assigned to at least one valve, via which the targeted filling and emptying of the respective expansion body can be controlled. As the number of expansion bodies increases, the number of valves required to control them increases accordingly. For this purpose, the valves are typically combined to form a unit in the form of a valve block. With regard to the structure of such valves, those with a linearly displaceable piston (slide valve) or a piston that can be rotated around its longitudinal axis (rotary valve) are used as standard.

the end WO 02/065004 A1 a valve device for a seat cushion is known which has a mat with a plurality of inflatable expansion bodies. The valve device comprises a housing with a cylindrical interior space in which a guide means in the form of a piston is displaceably arranged. In the longitudinal direction of the piston extends a channel which is closed at the end by means of a stopper and which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to openings arranged through the jacket of the piston which is hollow in this respect. The housing has a plurality of outlets which are fluidly connected to the expansion bodies via channels formed in the mat. At a corner area of the mat, there is an inlet through which a fluid flow can be introduced into the expansion bodies that are connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner. By longitudinally displacing the piston into a first position, its openings can be connected to the outlets of the housing in such a way that the fluid flow which can be introduced via the inlet can be passed on via the channel of the piston. In contrast, the connection in a second position of the piston can be separated accordingly. The piston is operated manually using the plugs that are accessible from the outside.

With the U.S. 5,678,265 A Another seat cushion was known which has two separate chambers that can be filled with a fluid. A valve device with a guide means in the form of a rotating body, which has a through channel, is incorporated between a compressor providing the fluid pressure and the seat cushion. The rotating body is rotatably arranged within a housing which has two outlets which are connected in a fluid-conducting manner to one of the chambers of the seat cushion via a hose. The passage channel of the rotating body is connected to a hose which is connected to the compressor. By rotating the rotating body by hand, one of the two outlets can be connected to the free end of the through-channel in order to introduce the fluid pressure present via the compressor through the through-channel of the rotating body into one of the two chambers of the seat cushion.

Furthermore, the U.S. 3,959,024 A a slide valve which comprises a longitudinally open housing with a longitudinally displaceable guide means in the form of a piston spring-loaded in one direction. The open long side of the housing is closed with a wall which has a large number of through openings. The piston has a total of three chambers separated from one another by partition walls. In contrast, one of the through openings in the wall is designed as an inlet to which a fluid supply pressure can be applied. The through-openings of the wall located immediately to the right and left of the inlet serve as distribution openings, while the remaining through-openings function as outlets at which an atmospheric pressure that is lower than the fluid supply pressure is applied. Due to the variable position of the piston within the housing via a rod connected to the piston, the inlet of the wall can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner via a chamber of the piston to one of the two distributor openings of the wall, while at the same time the other distributor opening is connected to another chamber of the piston one of the outlets of the wall is connected in a fluid-conducting manner. A side of the housing opposite the wall has a number of recesses adapted to the number of chambers of the piston, each of which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to one of its chambers via a channel arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the piston in this. Due to the structure and the prevailing pressure difference, the piston can be displaced more easily.

the U.S. 3,303,518 A shows an inflatable mattress which is divided into several separate zones. Each of these zones is connected to a hose through which a fluid flow can be introduced or discharged into the associated zone. The control takes place via a box, which is connected on the one hand to the hoses and on the other hand to a compressor in a fluid-conducting manner. The box has a large number of mechanical actuation buttons which are arranged in a cover of the box so that they can be moved longitudinally either by manual pressure or by turning in the sense of a screw. A total of two of these operating buttons are assigned to each zone of the mattress, one of which is used for filling and the other for emptying the associated zone.

The manipulation of the respective fluid flow takes place via a change in the internal cross-section of the hoses connected to a zone via the actuation buttons. The respective actuating button can assume a first position in which a section of the associated hose is completely squeezed and in this respect prevents a flow of fluid through it. In contrast, the inner cross-section of the respective hose is completely open in a second position of the associated actuation button, so that a fluid flow through it is made possible.

In particular, the separate control of a number of expansion bodies having functional devices in seats, such as a massage device with massage elements arranged in its seat part and back part, requires a large number of valves that are fluidly connected to their expansion bodies and which can be combined to form a valve block per massage mat. With a view to each, for example, at least one printed circuit board with a corresponding number of pneumatic or hydraulic and electronic components arranged thereon, such a control represents a correspondingly complex and therefore cost-intensive structure.

The invention is based on the object of further developing a valve device provided for controlling a fluid flow and a valve system composed of several of these valve devices as well as a control device with this valve system in such a way that they have an overall simpler and more cost-effective structure.

This object is achieved by a valve device with the features of claim 1 and a valve system according to the features of claim 10, by a control device with the features of claim 12 and by a seat system with the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments result from the respective subclaims.

The valve device according to the invention for controlling a fluid flow comprises at least one input and at least two outputs, at least one of the outputs in each case being connectable to the input in a fluid-conducting manner via a passage channel of at least one manipulable conducting means. According to the invention, two alternative design options are proposed, of which a first variant provides that the passage channel of the guide means can be changed at least indirectly via a control fluid flow with respect to at least a portion of its internal cross section. In other words, the inner cross-section of the through-channel can, for example, be completely closed or, in contrast, can be opened, in that a control fluid flow acts at least indirectly on it.

A second variant of the embodiment according to the invention, on the other hand, provides that the passage channel of the guide means can be rotated at least to a limited extent at least indirectly via a control fluid flow with regard to its alignment with respect to the outlets and the inlet. In other words, the orientation of the passage channel with respect to the outlets and the inlet can be changed by an at least limited rotation, in that a control fluid flow acts at least indirectly on it.

As can be seen, both configuration options are based on the use of a control fluid flow in order to manipulate the guide means of the valve device, which is used to guide the fluid flow to be regulated, either with regard to the internal cross-section or the orientation of its through-channel.

The advantage resulting from this is to be seen in the fact that both alternative configurations enable an extremely simple and, in this respect, also cost-effective construction of the valve device. By eliminating the otherwise manual operation of the valve device in favor of a control fluid flow, it can be opened Integrate them into other systems in a variety of ways in order to be able to fulfill far more complex tasks.

With a view to electronic components, the valve device according to the invention would be comparable to a transistor, because of the multiple and interconnected arrangement of the transistor, entire circuits can also be set up.

In particular, the configuration according to the first variant does not require any otherwise customary piston, the mounting of which, which can be displaced in the longitudinal direction, requires correspondingly complex and therefore mostly cost-intensive sealing measures.

Preferably, the fluid flow to be passed on and / or the control fluid flow within the scope of the invention can in principle be an air flow and to this extent pneumatic applications.

According to a preferred development, in particular with regard to the first variant of the inventive concept, the guide means can be a hose section or at least have one.

The hose section should be designed to be elastic, at least in some areas. Furthermore, a shut-off element which is placed or can be placed against an outer region of the hose section is provided, which can then be displaced relative to the hose section via the control fluid flow. In this way, the pressure of the control fluid flow can be converted into mechanical work that causes the shut-off element to be displaced. Naturally, the load from the shut-off element affects the hose section in such a way that its passage channel can be changed accordingly, for example completely closed, by an elastic change in shape. In this context, two extreme positions of the shut-off element are sufficient to obtain at least two states with respect to the passage channel in the hose section, namely an open or closed internal cross-section. Complicated sealing measures are not necessary for this, since the hose section is already completely tight itself. The storage and / or guidance of the shut-off element does not require any complex construction either, since its task consists only in a preferably complete squeezing of a section of the hose section. The intrinsic tension of the hose section can be sufficient so that the restoring force of the hose section resulting from the squeezed cross-sectional shape back to its original shape when the shut-off element is depressurized moves the shut-off element back at least to a limited extent, expanding the inner cross-section of its through-channel.

In order to increase the restoring force necessary to move the shut-off element and / or to obtain a process-reliable widening of the through-channel, the shut-off element can also be arranged between a spring element and an expansion body that can be acted upon by the control fluid flow. In this case, the spring element supports the resetting of the shut-off element, which can be mounted in a linearly movable manner for this purpose. Of course, a rotational mounting of the shut-off element is also conceivable for this purpose, which for this purpose can for example have a projection on which the spring element, which is designed as a helical spring, can act. Alternatively, the spring element can also be designed as a torsion spring, so that the projection can be dispensed with. The expansion body ensures the targeted displacement of the shut-off element relative to the hose section by, for example, translating its expanding shape due to the inflow of the control fluid flow into mechanical work and thus acts on the shut-off element. It would also be conceivable here to design the expansion body in the sense of a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle, so that two of its opposite ends approach one another while the expansion body expands and thus shortens.

According to a further development of the valve device according to the invention, its hose section can extend through between a part of the shut-off element and a counter-bearing that is fixed opposite it. As a result, the hose section can be squeezed at least in a section between the shut-off element and the counter-bearing as soon as a region of the shut-off element is moved relatively towards the counter-bearing.

According to a particularly preferred further development of the valve device according to the invention, it can have at least two hose sections arranged quasi next to one another, which can be changed in relation to the inner cross-section of their respective through-channel via the control fluid flow. Each of these two hose sections is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to only one of the outlets on the one hand and to the inlet on the other hand. The connection of the two hose sections to the individual inlet takes place with the incorporation of a corresponding distributor element. For this purpose, it can have, for example, three connections that are connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner. By using two separate hose sections, it is advantageously possible to close only one of these hose sections with respect to its through-channel by the shut-off element, while the other hose section is an open one Has inner cross-section and insofar for the fluid flow through passage. In this way, an alternating closure of either one or the other hose section in the sense of a 3/2-way valve can be achieved by moving the shut-off element back and forth between two extreme positions.

Furthermore, the distributor element can have the inlet and two outlets connected to the inlet in a fluid-conducting manner, each of these outlets then being connected in a fluid-conducting manner to one of the two hose sections. The distributor element can also have a connecting channel which can be acted upon by the control fluid flow and which is then connected in a fluid-conducting manner to an expansion body designed for at least indirect mechanical action on the through-channel of each hose section.

The invention provides that in each case one of the two hose sections is pressed together by means of a spring-loaded shut-off element applied to its outer area with respect to the inner cross-section of its through-channel. In other words, one of the hose sections is always blocked against the passage of an existing fluid flow. Only when the expansion body interacting with the shut-off element is acted upon by the control fluid flow is the inner cross-section of the through-channel of the hose section in the compressed state revealed by a displacement of the shut-off element against the spring force. At the same time or at a time offset from this, the inner cross-section of the through-channel of the other hose section can be at least partially reduced by the shut-off element, which then also acts on its outer region. In this way it is possible that only the through-channel of one hose section is open, while the other remains closed.

According to a preferred development, in particular with regard to the second variant of the inventive concept, the guide means can be a rotating body that can be rotated at least to a limited extent or at least have one. As a result of a rotation of the rotating body that is possible via the control fluid flow, only one of the two outputs can then be connected to the input in a fluid-conducting manner. The rotation of the rotating body possible via the control fluid flow can preferably take place against a spring load, so that the rotating body rotates back into its or at least in the direction of its starting position when the control fluid flow ceases.

In this context, it is considered advantageous if the rotating body is rotatably arranged within a housing.

Particularly preferably, the input and the outputs can be fixedly arranged on the housing. In this way, hoses that can be connected to the inlet and the outlets in a fluid-conducting manner are not subjected to any mechanical stress, as inevitably occurs, for example, in the form of a bend in the direct arrangement of at least one hose on the rotatable rotating body.

The valve device according to the invention now presented enables its extremely simple and inexpensive construction. This has a positive effect, particularly in connection with sometimes complex controls for fluid-operated functional devices, the amount of which expansion bodies to be controlled requires a corresponding number of valves.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to a valve system which comprises at least two valve devices according to the invention. The valve system can provide a housing in which the valve devices are then arranged in the sense of a unit that is easy to handle and connect.

Particularly preferably, all valve devices of the valve system can be arranged and / or connected or coupled in such a way that they can be manipulated at the same time by being acted upon by the control fluid flow. In this way, it is possible, as a function of a fluid flow present at at least one of the respective inputs of the valve devices, to pass on via one of the associated outputs of the valve devices manipulated via the control fluid flow. So all valve devices can be switched simultaneously via the control fluid flow, for example, to a connection of their input with a first of their outputs, this fluid flow only depending on the actual application of a fluid flow to at least one input of one of the valve devices, this fluid flow via the associated first output is forwarded. By appropriately controlled application of the individual inputs of the valve devices, the control of much more complex devices can be achieved. Due to the large number of valve devices, the valve system according to the invention thus represents a type of valve multiplier.

The advantages resulting from the valve system according to the invention have already been explained in more detail in connection with the valve device according to the invention, so that to avoid For repetitions at this point, reference is made to the relevant explanations.

The invention is also directed to a control device for a function of a seat to be operated with a fluid flow or a fluid pressure. The seat can preferably be a vehicle seat. The control device comprises a valve system according to the invention as described above and a valve block with a plurality of valves. The outputs of the valve block are each connected in a fluid-conducting manner to an input of the valve devices of the valve system.

The valve block can be a standard unit which, for example, has a printed circuit board with a number of preferably pneumatic or hydraulic and electronic components arranged on it. Their individually controllable valves are each connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the inputs of the valve devices of the valve system in such a way that at least one valve device can be acted upon by a fluid flow via an output of the valve block. Each valve device of the valve system can act, for example, as a 3/2-way valve which can be manipulated jointly via the control fluid flow. Through a corresponding fluid-conducting connection of the outputs of the individual valve devices of the valve system, the control device can be used to control even complex functional devices made up of two or more parts in a simple manner. In other words, the control option of an individual valve block can be duplicated and thus multiplied via the control device.

Controls for multi-part functional devices can thus be implemented with only one valve block, which would otherwise require at least one valve block per part of the functional device. This is possible through the integration of the control device according to the invention, through the integration of which a fluid flow passed on via the outlet of a valve of the valve block can be passed on, for example, either to a first part or a second part of a functional device.

Since the valve system of the control device according to the invention, which can be controlled via a single control fluid flow, has a simple and cost-effective structure, the costs are correspondingly lower compared to a classic structure with two or more valve blocks.

In addition, the invention is directed to a seat system which comprises a seat with at least one functional device having a plurality of individual expansion bodies and a control device according to the invention. The seat can preferably be a vehicle seat or generally a seat in a vehicle, including, for example, a bench seat. The functional device can be a massage device, for example. As an alternative or in addition to this, the functional device can also be a multi-part lumbar support and / or side support (s) for the seat. In any case, the valve system of the control device according to the invention is connected to the functional device in a fluid-conducting manner with the incorporation of hoses.

The advantages resulting from the seat system according to the invention have already been explained in more detail in connection with the valve device according to the invention and the control device according to the invention, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is first made at this point to the corresponding explanations.

The functional device can advantageously have a first massage mat arranged in the area of a seat part of the seat and a second massage mat arranged in the area of a back part of the seat. At least one expansion body of the first massage mat and at least one expansion body of the second massage mat are each connected in a fluid-conducting manner to different outlets of one of the valve devices of the valve system of the control device. In this way, a valve device connected in a fluid-conducting manner via an outlet of the valve block to an inlet of the first outlet with, for example, an expansion body of the first massage mat and, via its second outlet, with, for example, an expansion body of the second massage mat, either in the expansion body of the first massage mat or in the Expansion body of the second massage mat are initiated. Via a corresponding connection of all expansion bodies of the first and second massage mats with the outlets of the valve devices of the valve system of the control device, the fluid flows coming via the valve block can be alternately divided between individual expansion bodies of the two massage mats by having all valve devices of the valve devices of the valve system of the control device simultaneously via the control -Fluid flow can be controlled or manipulated.

• 2 eine erste Ausgestaltungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Ventilvorrichtung im Schnitt;
• 3 eine zweite alternative Ausgestaltungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Ventilvorrichtung im Schnitt;
• 4 ein erfindungsgemäßes Ventilsystem in einer Aufsicht;
• 5 eine erfindungsgemäße Steuereinrichtung in einer Aufsicht und
• 6 einen erfindungsgemäßen Sitz mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Steuereinrichtung.

In the following, in 1 a configuration of a control device for a seat that can usually be implemented with the prior art is described first. The present invention will then be explained in more detail with reference to some exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the further drawings. It shows:

• 2 a first embodiment of a valve device according to the invention in section;
• 3 a second alternative embodiment of the valve device according to the invention in section;
• 4th a valve system according to the invention in a plan view;
• 5 a control device according to the invention in a plan view and
• 6th a seat according to the invention with a control device according to the invention.

1 shows an embodiment of a control device implemented with parts from the prior art 1 for a seat 2 . The seat 2 has a seat part 2a and one pivotable on the seat part 2a arranged back part 2 B on. The seat also has 2 a functional device 3 in the form of a massage device, which one on the seat part 2a arranged first massage mat 3a and one on the back 2 B arranged second massage mat 3b includes. Both massage mats 3a , 3b have a large number of expansion bodies that can be filled with air 4a , 4b which in the present case are only indicated by black dots without further detailing.

The control device 1 includes a first valve block 1a and a second valve block 1b each one of the two massage mats 3a , 3b assigned. The first valve block is specific here 1a with the first massage mat 3a on the seat part 2a of the seat 2 connected while the second valve block 1b with the second massage mat 3b on the back 2 B of the seat 2 connected is. The respective expansion bodies are included without further detailing 4a the first massage mat 3a Via hoses not shown in detail with the first valve block 1a fluidly connected, the expansion body 4b the second massage mat 3b via hoses, also not shown in detail, to the second valve block 1b are fluidly connected (each indicated with a black arrow). Every valve block 1a , 1b is for this purpose with individually controllable valves 5a , 5b equipped, their associated outputs Aa , away are connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the hoses in a manner not shown in detail.

The actual massage function of the functional device 3 is realized in that the expansion body 4a the first massage mat 3a via the valves 5a and associated outputs Aa of the first valve block 1a can be acted upon individually in a suitable manner with a fluid flow, while the expansion body 4b the second massage mat 3b via the valves 5b and associated outputs away of the second valve block 1b be acted upon individually in a suitable manner with a fluid stream. In any case, there are two valve blocks for this 1a , 1b necessary to the parts of the functional device 3 to be controlled accordingly.

2 is a first embodiment of a valve device according to the invention 50a to see which one has an input E. and here two outputs A1 , A2 owns. The entrance E. is part of a distributor element here, purely by way of example 70 which is next to the entrance E. two outlets connected to it in a fluid-conducting manner 70a , 70b having. Furthermore, one is the distributor element 70 opposite connection element 80 provided, which separate the two from each other and extend through the connection element 80 exits extending therethrough A1 , A2 having. Between the distributor element 70 and the connection element 80 two conducting means extend in the form of hose sections 90a , 90b , of which a first hose section 90a at the end on the one hand to an outlet 70a of the distribution element 70 and on the other hand to an exit A1 of the connection element 80 is connected, while the second hose section 90b end on the one hand to the other outlet 70b of the distributor element 70 and on the other hand to the other exit A2 of the connection element 80 connected. Through the hose sections 90a , 90b a through-channel extends therethrough 91a , 91b , so that each an outlet 70a, 70b with an outlet A1 , A2 is fluidly connected.

The distribution element 70 and the connection element 80 are from a housing 100a surrounded, in which the two tube elements 90a , 90b extend parallel to each other. Inside the case 100a there is a shut-off element 110 , which is between a spring element 120 and an expansion body 130 is arranged. That between the spring element 120 and the expansion body 130 linearly displaceable shut-off element 110 has two spaced apart webs 110a , 110b on, between which one on the housing 100a fixed counter bearing 140 is arranged. The two hose sections can be seen to extend 90a , 90b each between the counter bearing 140 and part of the shut-off element 110 . With a view of the distributor element 70 it becomes clear that this is a connecting channel 71 owns which with the expansion body 130 is fluidly connected.

Through the connecting channel 71 the expansion body can be passed through 130 in a manner not shown in detail with a control fluid flow SF act on (indicated by a white arrow), the resulting expansion at least partially on the expansion body 130 adjacent shut-off element 110 against the spring force of the spring element 120 is linearly displaceable. Through this a part of the shut-off element approaches 110 to an outside area of the in 2 lower hose section 90b on, due to its elastic property its through-channel 91b can be closed by the hose section 90b between the shut-off element 110 and the counter bearing 140 is squeezed. At the same time, the shut-off element moves away 110 so far from the other hose section 90a that its through channel 91a is fully open with respect to its internal cross-section. By a drop in the control fluid flow SF the expansion body falls 130 at least partially in itself, so that the shut-off element 110 in particular due to the restoring force of the spring element 120 is linearly displaceable in the opposite direction. As a result, the shut-off element now approaches the outside area of the in 2 upper hose section 90a and then squeezes it between itself and the counter bearing 140 one, so that its through-channel 91a is now closed with respect to its internal cross-section. At the same time the passage channel 91b of the other hose section 90b Approved. This position is due to the force from the spring element 120 maintained until the control fluid flow is applied SF the shut-off element 110 is again linearly displaceable from its position.

3 is an alternative embodiment of the valve device according to the invention 50a the end 2 in the form of a further valve device 50b can be seen, the conduction means now not as at least one hose section 90a , 90b , but as a rotating body 150 is trained. The rotating body 150 is within a housing 100b arranged at least to a limited extent rotatable. The case 100b has an entrance E. and here - purely by way of example - a total of three outputs A1-A3 , all of which are firmly attached to the housing 100b are arranged. In this embodiment, the outputs A1-A3 and the entrance E. a one-piece component of the housing made of the same material 100b be. The rotating body can be seen 150 a through channel 91c its alignment with respect to the exits A1-A3 and the entrance E. by a rotation of the rotating body 150 is rotatable accordingly. One points to the entrance E. facing end section a towards the entrance E. opening widening 92 on, which is designed so that one over the entrance E. inflowing fluid flow in all sensible orientations of the rotating body 150 in terms of outputs A1-A3 always in its passage channel 91c flow in and through one of the outputs A1-A3 can flow out.

The control of the rotating body 150 in terms of its rotatability within the housing 100b takes place in a manner not shown in detail via a control fluid flow SF . So can the rotating body 150 for example be spring-loaded, whereby its through-channel 91c in a basic position always on one of the outputs A1-A3 is aligned. For example, as a function of the pressure of the control fluid flow SF can the rotating body 150 then in a further alignment to one of the other exits A1-A3 to be rotatable, with the rotating body after the pressure drops 150 is rotated back to its basic position.

4th illustrates the possible structure of a valve system according to the invention 200 , which in the present case - purely by way of example - a total of eight of the valve devices according to the invention 50a , 50b includes. The valve devices 50a , 50b always have the same design or a combination of at least one valve device, not shown in detail 50a the first embodiment with at least one valve device 50b of the second embodiment. The present includes the valve system 200 - purely by way of example - a total of eight valve devices 50a the first embodiment. These can be connected to one another in a suitable manner, such as by an arrangement on or within a housing 201 . Here are the valve devices 50a Combined with one another in a manner not shown in greater detail in such a way that they are all combined by the application of the control fluid flow SF can be manipulated at the same time.

In other words, the application of the control fluid flow is sufficient SF for example at a central point in the valve system 200 off (indicated by a white arrow) to the valve devices 50a regarding the possible forwarding of an to their respective input E. applied fluid flow from one of its outlets A1 , A2 to the other exit A1 , A2 to switch.

5 is a control device according to the invention 300 to see which the valve system 200 the end 4th and a valve block 301 includes. The valve block 301 owns a printed circuit board 302 , on the electronic components 303 as well as pneumatic or hydraulic components in the form of valves 304a-304n are arranged. Their outputs 305a-305n are each with an entrance E. of the valve devices 50a , 50b of the valve system 200 fluidly connected (indicated by black lines). This is where the valve system acts 200 as a kind of valve multiplier, as each has an output 305a-305n the control device conductible fluid flow through one of the outlets A1-A3 of the valve devices 50a , 50b is forwardable.

6th shows a seating system according to the invention 400 with a seat 2 , its structure with regard to its seat part 2a and his back 2 B in addition to the functional device 3 the vehicle seat 2 the end 1 is equivalent to. Also here is a massage mat 3a on the seat part 2a and a massage mat 3b on the back 2 B of the seat 2 arranged. The seating system 400 further comprises the control device according to the invention 300 , which the valve system according to the invention 200 and - in contrast to the embodiment in the prior art according to 1 - only a single valve block 301 owns.

The individual outputs can be recognized A1-A3 of the valve devices 50a , 50b of the valve system 200 with the expansion bodies 4a , 4b of the two massage mats 3a , 3b the functional device 3 fluidly connected (indicated by black continuous and broken lines). In this way it is possible, for example, to use the exit 305n of the valve block 301 at the entrance E. a valve device 50a of the valve system 200 pending fluid flow through one of the outlets A1 , A2 the associated valve device 50a forward. This is the first exit A1 for example with an expansion body 4a the one on the seat part 2a arranged massage mat 3a fluidly connected, while the other outlet A2 with an expansion body 4b the one on the back 2 B arranged massage mat 3b is fluidly connected. This is how the valve system acts 200 as a kind of valve multiplier for the valve block 301 , since its a fluid flow now alternately to an expansion body 4a , 4b of the two massage mats 3a , 3b is forwardable. Despite the separate control of two massage mats 3a , 3b in this respect, only a single valve block is required 301 .

The functional device here comprises pneumatic massage mats in the seat part and backrest only by way of example. The functional device can also be a pneumatic contour adjustment of the sidecar in the seat part and backrest or any other pneumatic adjustment in the interior of a vehicle, e.g. a lumbar support, a headrest, an armrest or a seat depth adjustment.

List of reference symbols

1

Control device

1a

first valve block of 1

1b

second valve block of 1

2

Seat

2a

Seat part of 2

2 B

Back part of 2

3

Functional device of 2

3a

first massage mat from 3

3b

second massage mat from 3

4a

Expansion body of 3a

4b

Expansion body of 3b

5a

Valve of 1a

5b

Valve of 1b

50a

Valve device

50b

Valve device

70

Distribution element of 50a

70a

Departure from 70

70b

Departure from 70

71

Connecting channel of 50a

80

Connection element from 50a

90a

first hose section of 50a

90b

second hose section of 50a

91a

Through channel of 90a

91b

Passage channel from 90b

91c

Through channel of 150

92

Expansion from 150

100a

Housing from 50a

100b

Housing from 50b

110

Shut-off element from 50a

110a

Bridge of 110

110b

Bridge of 110

120

Spring element of 50a

130

Expansion body of 50a

140

Counter bearing from 50a

150

Rotating body of 50b

200

Valve system

201

Case of 200

300

Control device

301

Valve block of 300

302

PCB from 301

303

electronic component from 301

304a

Valve of 301

304b

Valve of 301

304c

Valve of 301

304d

Valve of 301

304e

Valve of 301

304f

Valve of 301

304g

Valve of 301

304h

Valve of 301

304i

Valve of 301

304j

Valve of 301

304k

Valve of 301

3041

Valve of 301

304m

Valve of 301

304n

Valve of 301

305a

Exit from 304a

305b

Exit from 304b

305c

Exit from 304c

305d

Output of 304d

305e

Output from 304e

305f

Exit from 304f

305g

Output of 304g

305h

Output of 304h

305i

Output from 304i

305j

Output of 304j

305k

Output of 304k

3051

Output of 3041

305m

Exit of 304m

305n

Output of 304n

400

Seating system

Aa

Exit from 5a

away

Exit from 5b

A1

Output from 50a or 50b

A2

Output from 50a or 50b

A3

Output from 50b

E.

Entrance from 50a or 50b

SF

Control fluid flow

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• WO 02/065004 A1 [0004]
• US 5678265 A [0005]
• US 3959024 A [0006]
• US 3303518 A [0007]

Claims (15)

Valve device (50a, 50b) for controlling a fluid flow, in particular an air flow, comprising at least one input (E) and at least two outputs (A1-A3), at least one of the outputs (A1-A3) via a through-channel (91a-91c ) at least one manipulable conducting means can be connected to the inlet (E) in a fluid-conducting manner, characterized in that the through-channel (91a-91c) of the conducting means can be changed at least indirectly via a control fluid flow (SF) either with respect to at least a portion of its internal cross-section or can be rotated at least to a limited extent in relation to its alignment with respect to the outputs (A1-A3) and the input (E). Valve device (50a, 50b) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the guide means is or has an at least regionally elastic hose section (90a, 90b), wherein a shut-off element (110) is provided which is applied or can be applied to an outer region of the hose section (90a, 90b), which is provided via the control Fluid flow (SF) is displaceable relative to the hose section (90a, 90b). Valve device (50a, 50b) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the shut-off element (110) is arranged between a spring element (120) and an expansion body (130) which can be acted upon by the control fluid flow (SF), in particular in a linearly movable manner. Valve device (50a, 50b) according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the hose section (90a, 90b) extends through between a part of the shut-off element (110) and a counter-bearing (140) fixed opposite it. Valve device (50a, 50b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two hose sections (90a, 90b) are provided which can be changed in relation to the inner cross-section of their respective through-channel (91a, 91b) via the control fluid flow (SF), each this hose section (90a, 90b) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner with only one outlet (A1, A2) and with the incorporation of a distributor element (70) with the inlet (E). Valve device (50a, 50b) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the distributor element (70) has the inlet (E) and two outlets (70a, 70b) connected to the inlet (E) in a fluid-conducting manner, which are each connected to one of the hose sections (90a, 90b), the distributor element (70) has a connecting channel (71) which can be acted upon by the control fluid flow (SF) and which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to an expansion body (130) designed for at least indirect mechanical action on the through-channel (91a, 91b) of each hose section (90a, 90b) . Valve device (50a, 50b) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that in each case one of the hose sections (90a, 90b) is pressed together via a spring-loaded shut-off element (110) applied to its outer region with respect to the inner cross-section of its through-channel (91a, 91b), with the pressure being applied to the shut-off element (110) cooperating expansion body (130) with the control fluid flow (SF), the inner cross-section of the compressed inner channel (91a, 91b) of one hose section (90a, 90b) can be opened by moving the shut-off element (110) against the spring force and the inner cross-section of the through channel ( 91a, 91b) of the other hose section (90a, 90b) can be at least partially reduced by the shut-off element (110) acting on its outer region, in particular at the same time. Valve device (50b) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the guide means is or has an at least limited rotatable rotating body (150), with only one of the outputs (A1 -A3) can be connected to the inlet (E) in a fluid-conducting manner. Valve device (50b) according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the rotating body (150) is rotatably arranged within a housing (100b), the input (E) and the outputs (A1-A3) being fixedly arranged on the housing (100b). Valve system (200), comprising at least two valve devices (50a, 50b) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular arranged in a housing (201). Valve system (200) Claim 10 , characterized in that all valve devices (50a, 50b) can be manipulated at the same time by applying the control fluid flow (SF). Control device (300) for a function of a seat to be operated with fluid pressure, in particular pneumatically, comprising a valve system (200) according to Claim 10 or 11 and a valve block (301) with a plurality of valves (304a-304n), the outputs (305a-305n) of which are each connected in a fluid-conducting manner to an input (E) of the valve devices (50a, 50b) of the valve system (200). Seating system (400), comprising a seat (2) with a functional device (3), in particular a massage device, having a plurality of expansion bodies (4a, 4b), and a control device (300) Claim 12 , the valve system (200) of which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the functional device (3, 30) with the incorporation of hoses. Seating system (400) Claim 13 , characterized in that the functional device (3) has a first massage mat (3a) arranged in the area of a seat part (2a) and a second massage mat (3b) arranged in the area of a back part (2b), at least one expansion body (4a) of the first massage mat (3a) and at least one expansion body (4b) of the second massage mat (3b) are fluidly connected to different outlets (A1-A3) of a valve device (50a, 50b) of the valve system (200). Seating system (400) Claim 13 or 14th , characterized by training as a vehicle seat.

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